Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Connecticut

A distinct variation of pizza developed in New Haven, Connecticut known as the white clam pie and it’s worth seeking out.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana [157 Wooster St New Haven, CT 06511] has been around since 1925, it’s affectionately known around town as simply Pepe’s.

Lines form outside, this pizza parlor is quite the sensation. You’re not coming here for a slice, but a whole pie made fresh in the coal-fired brick oven. Pizzas take 8-10 minutes to cook, they are thin-crust and have the perfect crisp while retaining chewiness, with a delicate char.

The flavor profile is strong and exquisite, unlikely but incredible. If you are short in time call your order in and take your pie to go, but make sure you eat it as soon as possible! A walk to the park, Wooster Square, will assure you’re still eating a hot pie as intended. Other locations have opened throughout Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts – but New Haven is the original.